Paul Lee, president, ABC Entertainment Group, will discuss ABC’s plans for next season and present the network’s 2011-12 fall schedule before the advertising and media communities this afternoon at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall.

“We’re thrilled to be launching a really diverse and ambitious schedule that balances the strength and stability of our returning hits with a slew of bold new shows,” said Lee.

For the 2010-11 TV season, ABC Television Network claims five of the Top 20 highest-rated TV series in Adults 18-49 with “Dancing with the Stars,” “Modern Family,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Dancing with the Stars the Results Show” and “Desperate Housewives,” including the No. 1 comedy and the No. 1 drama. In addition, the network delivers the most-watched freshman series overall with “Body of Proof.” For the sixth straight season, the ABC Television Network remains a key destination for upscale viewers, airing seven of the Top 20 highest-rated television series (the most for any network) among Adults 18-49 in homes w/$100k+ annual income.

Fall premiere dates will be announced at a later time. Please note shows picked up but not listed on the schedule will debut later in the 2011-12 season.

ABC’s fall primetime schedule is as follows (all times listed are Eastern);

“CHARLIE’S ANGELS”
Everyone deserves a second chance — even a thief, a street racer and a cop who got in a little too deep. After all, the three women who solve cases for their elusive boss, Charlie Townsend, are no saints. They’re angels… Charlie’s Angels. Set in Miami, this fun, glamorous, action-packed take on the 1970s smash hit series introduces us to three new angels, all fearless detectives, head-turning beauties and close friends. There’s Abby (Rachael Taylor), a Park Avenue princess who became a world-class thief. Then there’s Kate (Annie Ilonzeh), a Miami cop who fell from grace, losing both her career and her fiancé. Finally there’s Gloria, a disgraced army lieutenant who has a way with explosives. When one of the angels’ missions ends in Gloria’s tragic death, Charlie persuades them to partner with Gloria’s childhood friend, Eve (Minka Kelly), a street racer with a mysterious past. They may not know each other yet, but one thing’s for sure — Abby, Kate and Eve will always have each others’ backs. “Charlie’s Angels” stars Annie Ilonzeh (“General Hospital”) as Kate Prince, Minka Kelly (“Parenthood,” “Friday Night Lights”) as Eve, Rachael Taylor (“Grey’s Anatomy”) as Abby Sampson and Ramon Rodriguez (“The Wire,” “Daybreak”) as Bosley. Written and executive-produced by Alfred Gough & Miles Millar (“Smallville”), “Charlie’s Angels” is also executive-produced by Drew Barrymore (“Charlie’s Angels” movies), Leonard Goldberg (the original “Charlie’s Angels”) and Nancy Juvonen (“Charlie’s Angels” movies). It’s directed and executive-produced by Marcos Siega (“Vampire Diaries,” “Dexter”). “Charlie’s Angels” is produced by Millar/Gough Ink, Flower Films and Panda Productions in association with Sony Pictures Television.

“GOOD CHRISTIAN BELLES”
The soap returns to Dallas in this wicked new drama that shows that you can go home again… but only if you’re ready to face the sins of your past. Amanda Vaughn (Leslie Bibb), once the ultimate high school “mean girl,” is forced to return home in disgrace after her marriage ends in scandal. Amanda is nothing like the girl she was 20 years ago, but as her old classmates reacquaint themselves with the new Amanda, will her home town welcome her with open arms or seek revenge? No one in this town is a saint, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a heart. As Amanda and her teenage kids try to adjust to their new lives, the ladies from her past alternate between sympathy and scheming. “Good Christian Belles” stars Leslie Bibb (“Iron Man”) as Amanda Vaughn, Kristin Chenoweth (“Pushing Daisies”) as Carlene Cockburn, Annie Potts (“Law and Order: Special Victims Unit,” “Joan of Arcadia”) as Gigi Stopper, Jennifer Aspen (“Rodney”) as Sharon Peacham, Miriam Shor (“Swingtown” “Damages”) as Cricket Caruth-Reilly, Marisol Nichols (“24″) as Heather Cruz, Brad Beyer (“Jericho”) as Zack Peacham, Mark Deklin (“Lone Star”) as Blake Reilly and David James Elliott (“JAG”) as Ripp Cockburn. Based on Kim Gatlin’s hit book, Good Christian Bitches, “Good Christian Belles” is executive-produced by Darren Star (“Sex and the City”), Robert Harling (“Steel Magnolias”) and Aaron Kaplan. The pilot is written by Robert Harling and executive-produced and directed by Alan Poul. “Good Christian Belles” is produced by ABC Studios.

“MISSING”
Becca Winstone (Ashley Judd) learns that her son, Michael, disappears while studying abroad, and it’s a race against time when she travels to Europe to track him down. A surprising turn of events reveals just how far one mother will go to protect her family. Exotic locations and thrilling twists will keep you riveted in “Missing.” How far would you go to save the only thing you have left in the world? At 8 years old, Michael watched as his father, CIA Agent Paul Winstone, was murdered. Now 10 years later, Paul’s wife, Becca, is faced with the reality of her son growing up. When Michael is afforded the opportunity to study abroad, his mother reluctantly agrees it’s time to let him go. Just a few weeks into his trip Michael disappears, and Becca immediately suspects foul play. When she arrives in Rome, she begins piecing together the clues left behind. It isn’t long before the kidnappers realize they’ve picked a fight with the wrong woman. Becca Winstone has a secret of her own — before Paul’s death, she was also a lethal CIA Agent. But if she wants to find her son alive, Becca will have to rely on old friends and reopen old wounds. Her resourcefulness, skill and determination will be put to the test – but a mother’s love knows no limits. “Missing” stars Ashley Judd (“Double Jeopardy,” “Kiss the Girls”) as Becca Winstone, Sean Bean (“Game of Thrones”) as Paul Winstone, Cliff Curtis (“Trauma”) as Dax, Adriano Giannini (“Oceans Twelve”) as Giancarlo, Nick Eversman (“Cinema Verite”) as Michael Winstone and Tereza Voriskova (“Borgia”) as Oksana. “Missing” comes from writer Gregory Poirier (“National Treasure: Book of Secrets”) and executive producers Gina Matthews, Grant Scharbo (“The Gates”), Steve Shill (Emmy winner for directing “Dexter” who will direct episodes of “Missing”) and James Parriott (“Sons of Anarchy”). “Missing” is produced by Stillking Films.

“ONCE UPON A TIME”
From the inventive minds of “Lost” executive producers Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis comes a bold new imagining of the world, where fairy tales and the modern-day are about to collide. And they all lived happily ever after – or so everyone was led to believe. Emma Swan knows how to take care of herself. She’s a 28-year-old bail bonds collector who’s been on her own ever since she was abandoned as a baby. But when the son she gave up years ago finds her, everything starts to change. Henry is now 10 years old and in desperate need of Emma’s help. He believes that Emma actually comes from an alternate world and is Snow White and Prince Charming’s missing daughter. According to his book of fairytales, they sent her away to protect her from the Evil Queen’s curse, which trapped the fairytale world forever, frozen in time, and brought them into our modern world. Of course Emma doesn’t believe a word, but when she brings Henry back to Storybrooke, she finds herself drawn to this unusual boy and his strange New England town. Concerned for Henry, she decides to stay for a while, but she soon suspects that Storybrooke is more than it seems. It’s a place where magic has been forgotten, but is still powerfully close… where fairytale characters are alive, even though they don’t remember who they once were. The epic battle for the future of all worlds is beginning, but for good to win, Emma will have to accept her destiny and fight like hell. “Once Upon a Time” stars Ginnifer Goodwin (“Big Love”) as Snow White/Sister Mary Margaret, Jennifer Morrison (“House MD”) as Emma Swan, Robert Carlyle (“The Full Monty,” “Trainspotting,” “SGU Stargate Universe”) as Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold, Lana Parrilla as Evil Queen/Regina, Jamie Dornan as Sheriff Graham, Jared Gilmore (“Mad Men”) as Henry, Josh Dallas as Prince Charming/John Doe and Raphael Sbarge as Jiminy Cricket/Archie. “Once Upon a Time” was written by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, who are also executive producers, along with Steve Pearlman (ABC’s “V”). The pilot is directed and executive-produced by Mark Mylod (“Entourage”). “Once Upon a Time” is from ABC Studios.

“PAN AM”
Passion, jealousy and espionage… They do it all – and they do it at 30,000 feet. The style of the 1960s, the energy and excitement of the Jet Age and a drama full of sexy entanglements deliciously mesh in this thrilling and highly-original new series. In this modern world, air travel represents the height of luxury and Pan Am is the biggest name in the business. The planes are glamorous, the pilots are rock stars and the stewardesses are the most desirable women in the world. Not only are these flyboys and girls young and good looking, but to represent Pan Am they also have to be educated, cultured and refined. They’re trained to handle everything from in-air emergencies to unwanted advances – all without rumpling their pristine uniforms or mussing their hair. There’s Dean (Jonah Lotan) – a cocky, charismatic and ambitious new pilot – the first of a new breed not trained in the war. On the sly against company policy, he’s dating Bridget, a stunning beauty with a mysterious past. A rebellious bohemian, Maggie (Christina Ricci) turns into a buttoned up professional for work so she can see the world. Rounding out the crew are flirtatious Collette (Karine Vanasse), the adventurous Kate (Kelli Garner) and, finally, Laura (Margot Robbie) – Kate’s beauty queen younger sister, a runaway bride, who recently fled a life of domestic boredom to take to the skies. “Pan Am” stars Christina Ricci (“Penelope”) as Maggie, Kelli Garner (“Going the Distance”) as Kate, Karine Vanasse (“Polytechnique”) as Colette, Margot Robbie (“Neighbours”) as Laura, Jonah Lotan (“24″) as Dean and Michael Mosley (“Justified”) as Ted. Jack Orman (“ER,” “Men of a Certain Age,”), Tommy Schlamme (“The West Wing,” “Parenthood,” “Mr. Sunshine”) and Nancy Hult Ganis (“Akleeh and the Bee”) are the executive producers of “Pan Am.” Orman is also the writer, with Schlamme directing. “Pan Am” is produced by Jack Orman Productions, Out of the Blue Entertainment and Shoe Money Productions in association with Sony Pictures Television.

“REVENGE”
Wealth, beauty and status define the people in this town, but one woman is willing to destroy everyone for the sake of revenge. Emily Thorne (Emily Van Camp) is new to the Hamptons. She’s met some of her wealthy neighbors, has made a few new friends and seemingly blends into the town. But something is a little odd about a young girl living in a wealthy town all on her own, and the truth is that Emily isn’t exactly new to the neighborhood. In fact, this was once her old neighborhood, until something bad happened that ruined her family and their reputation. Now Emily is back, and she’s returned to right some of those wrongs in the best way she knows how – with a vengeance. “Revenge” stars Madeleine Stowe (“We Were Soldiers,” “The Last of the Mohicans”) as Victoria Grayson, Emily Van Camp (“Brothers & Sisters,” “Everwood”) as Emily Thorne, Gabriel Mann (“The Bourne Identity”) as Nolan Ross, Henry Czerny (“Mission: Impossible,” “Clear and Present Danger”) as Conrad Grayson, Ashley Madekwe (“Secret Diary of a Call Girl”) as Ashley Davenport, Nick Wechsler (“Roswell”) as Jack Porter, Josh Bowman (“Prowl”) as Daniel Grayson, Christa B. Allen (“13 Going on 30″) as Charlotte Grayson and Connor Paolo (“Gossip Girl”) as Declan Porter. “Revenge” is written and executive-produced by Mike Kelley (“Swingtown”), along with executive producers Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey (“Twilight”). The pilot is directed and executive-produced by Phillip Noyce (“Salt”). “Revenge” is produced by ABC Studios.

“THE RIVER”
“The River” follows the story of wildlife expert and TV personality Emmet Cole. Emmet set course around the world with his wife, Tess, and son, Lincoln, while filming what would become one of the most popular shows in television. After he goes missing deep in the Amazon, his family, friends and crew set out on a mysterious and deadly journey to find him. Famed explorer Dr. Emmet Cole (Bruce Greenwood) went looking for magic deep in the uncharted Amazon and never returned. The shocking truth about his disappearance is out there, somewhere, just waiting to be discovered. To the millions of kids who grew up watching his nature show, Dr. Cole was a hero. To his own son, Lincoln (Joe Anderson), he was more of an enigma. Now, six months after he vanished, Lincoln is finally ready to bury the past when Dr. Cole’s emergency beacon suddenly goes off. At the urging of his mother, Tess (Leslie Hope), Lincoln reluctantly joins her on a search for his father. To fund the rescue, they agree to let Dr. Cole’s cagey ex-producer, Clark (Paul Blackthorne), film the mission documentary-style. The mixed crew of old friends and new acquaintances includes the sexy and resourceful Lena (Eloise Mumford), loyal mechanic Emilio (Daniel Zacapa) and lethal bodyguard Captain Kurt Brynildson (Thomas Kretschmann). “The River” stars Bruce Greenwood (“Star Trek”) as Emmet Cole, Joe Anderson (“The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Parts 1 and 2″) as Lincoln Cole, Paul Blackthorne (“Lipstick Jungle”) as Clark, Paulina Gaitan as Jahel, Leslie Hope (“24″) as Tess Cole, Eloise Mumford (“Lone Star”) as Lena, Shaun Parkes (“The Mummy Returns”) as Adjay, Thomas Kretschmann (“King Kong”) as Captain Kurt Brynildson and Daniel Zacapa (“Resurrection Blvd.”) as Emilio. “The River,” from Amblin’s Steven Spielberg, Daryl Frank and Justin Falvey, showrunner/executive producer Michael Green (“Heroes,” “Kings”), is also executive-produced by Oren Peli (creator of “Paranormal Activity”), Zack Estrin, Jason Blum and Steven Schneider. Teleplay by Michael R. Perry and Michael Green, story by Oren Peli & Michael R. Perry and Michael Green. The pilot is directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and produced by ABC Studios.

“SCANDAL”
From the creator and executive producers of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Private Practice” comes a drama revolving around the life and work of a professional crisis manager and her dysfunctional staff. A former media relations consultant to the President, Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) dedicates her life to protecting and defending the public images of our nation’s elite. After leaving the White House, the power consultant opened her own firm, hoping to start a new chapter — both professionally and personally — but she can’t seem to completely cut ties with her past. Slowly it becomes apparent that her staff, who specialize in fixing the lives of other people, can’t quite fix the ones closest at hand — their own. “Scandal” stars Kerry Washington (“Ray”) as Olivia Pope, Henry Ian Cusick (“Lost”) as Stephen Finch, Columbus Short (“Stomp the Yard”) as Harrison Wright, Guillermo Diaz (“Half-Baked”) as Huck, Darby Stanchfield as Abby Whelan, Katie Lowes as Quinn Perkins, Tony Goldwyn (“Ghost”) as President Fitzgerald Grant and Jeff Perry (“Grey’s Anatomy”) as Cyrus. “Scandal” was written by Shonda Rhimes (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Private Practice”). Rhimes and Betsy Beers (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Private Practice”) are executive producers. Paul McGuigan is the director. “Scandal” is produced by ABC Studios.

COMEDY

“APARTMENT 23″
After a naive Midwestern girl’s big city dreams are dashed her first week in New York, she finds herself living with her worst nightmare in this hilarious, contemporary comedy about a female odd couple who are surrounded by an outrageous cast of characters. June (Dreama Walker) moves to Manhattan for a dream job and the perfect company apartment, only to have them disappear in a puff of reality, thanks to a CEO from the Bernie Madoff school of embezzlement. Deep in debt and out on the streets, June scrambles to land a job and place to live. It seems her luck has turned around when she gets hired at a coffee shop and finds Chloe (Krysten Ritter), a charming, vivacious roommate… with the morals of a pirate. She swindles June out of all her savings, but she and her snarky friend, James Van Der Beek (playing himself), soon learn that, just because June’s naive, she isn’t stupid. June ingeniously turns the tables on Chloe, who is so shocked about being scammed herself that she decides to pull June into her colorful band of friends. Sure, it’s all dysfunctional, bizarre and overwhelming, but so is New York City. And with the help of Chloe and the other oddballs around her, June might just learn the survival secrets she needs to make it there. “Apartment 23″ stars Krysten Ritter (“Breaking Bad,” “Gilmore Girls”) as Chloe, Dreama Walker (“The Good Wife,” “Gossip Girl”) as June, Eric André as Mark, Michael Blaiklock as Eli and James Van Der Beek (“Varsity Blues,” “Dawson’s Creek”) as James Van Der Beek. Created and written by Nahnatchka Kahn (“American Dad”), “Apartment 23″ is executive-produced by Kahn, Jason Winer (“Modern Family”), Dave Hemingson (“American Dad,” “How I Met Your Mother”) and Jeff Morton (“Modern Family”). Winer is also the director. “Apartment 23″ is a production of 20th Century Fox Television.

“LAST MAN STANDING”
Today it’s a woman’s world, and this man’s man is on a mission to get men back to their rightful place in society. Tim Allen returns to ABC in this new comedy from Jack Burditt (“30 Rock”). Men may have built civilizations, invented the locomotive and created ESPN, but they’re about to find out that it’s not a man’s world anymore. You can’t get manlier than Mike Baxter. He’s the marketing director for an iconic outdoor sporting goods store, he loves to have adventures while he’s traveling for work and, of course, he drives a pick-up truck. While Mike is king of the hill at work, he’s the odd man out in a home that is dominated by women — namely his wife, Vanessa, and their three daughters, 22- year-old Kristin, 17-year-old Mandy and 14-year-old Eve. After being a stay-at-home mom for years, Vanessa recently returned to the workplace and was quickly promoted (much to the dismay of her primarily male co-workers). As a result of Vanessa’s increased work load, Mike is pulled into more hands-on parenting than ever before. The show stars Tim Allen (“Home Improvement”) as Mike, Nancy Travis (“So I Married an Axe Murderer,” “Three Men and a Baby”) as Vanessa, Molly Ephraim as Mandy, Alexandra Krosney as Kristin, Kaitlyn Dever as Eve and Hector Elizondo (“Chicago Hope”) as Ed. “Last Man Standing” was written by Jack Burditt (“30 Rock”), who also serves as executive producer with Tim Allen, Becky Clements, Marty Adelstein (“Prison Break”), Shawn Levy (“Night at the Museum”), Richard Baker (“The Santa Clause,” The Santa Clause 2″) and Rick Messina (“The Santa Clause,” The Santa Clause 2″). John Pasquin (“Home Improvement,” “The Santa Clause”) directed. “Last Man Standing” is from Twentieth Century Fox Television.

“MAN UP”
Three modern men try to get in touch with their inner tough guys and redefine what it means to be a “real man” in this funny and relatable comedy. Will’s grandfather fought in WWII. Will’s father fought in Vietnam. Will plays Call of Duty on his PS3 and drinks non-dairy hazelnut creamer. So what happened to all the real men? They’re still here — they just smell like pomegranate body wash now. Meet Will (Mather Zickel). His evolved, sensitive nature is why his awesome wife, Theresa (Teri Polo), married him. But Will and his friends find themselves wondering — in a world of Axe ads and manscaping — what does it really mean to be a guy anymore? Will is more interested in finding the perfect gift for his son Nathan’s (Jake Johnson) 13th birthday than in doing his job selling insurance; sensitive soul Craig (Christopher Moynihan) still pines for his college ex, Lisa; and Kenny (Dan Fogler) clamps down on his anger and asks himself, “What would Tobey Maguire do?,” when his ex, Brenda (Amanda Detmer), starts seeing a guy (Henry Simmons) who is everything he’s not and much better looking. After Craig crashes Lisa’s wedding to try to win her back, they are all faced with an opportunity to Man Up and be like their forefathers. The show stars Christopher Moynihan as Craig, Mather Zickel (“The Cape”) as Will, Dan Fogler (“Balls of Fury”) as Kenny, Teri Polo (“Meet the Fockers”) as Theresa, Amanda Detmer (“What About Brian”) as Brenda and Henry Simmons (“Shark”) as Grant. “Man Up” comes from writer/executive producer/actor Christopher Moynihan (“100 Questions”), executive producer Victor Fresco (“Better off Ted”), Ron West and Kelly Kulchak of Tagline Television (Psych) and director Beth McCarthy-Miller (“SNL,” “30 Rock”). “Man Up” is produced by ABC Studios.

“SUBURGATORY”
Single father George only wants the best for his 16-year-old daughter, Tessa. So when he finds a box of condoms on her nightstand, he moves them out of their apartment in New York City to a house in the suburbs. But all Tessa sees is the horror of over-manicured lawns and plastic Franken-moms. Being in the ‘burbs can be hell, but it also may just bring Tessa and George closer than they’ve ever been. Tessa (Jane Levy) and George (Jeremy Sisto) have been on their own ever since Tessa’s mom pulled a “Kramer vs. Kramer” before she was even potty trained. So far, George has done a pretty good job of raising Tessa without a maternal figure in their lives, but suddenly he’s feeling a little out of his league. So it’s goodbye New York City and hello suburbs. At first Tessa is horrified by the big-haired, fake-boobed mothers and their sugar-free Red Bull-chugging kids. But little by little she and her dad begin finding a way to survive on the clean streets of the ‘burbs. Sure, the neighbors might smother you with love while their kids stare daggers at your back, but underneath all that plastic and caffeine, they’re really not half bad. And they do make a tasty pot roast. The show stars Jeremy Sisto (“Law & Order”) as George Altman, Jane Levy (“Shameless”) as Tessa Altman, Carly Chaikin (“The Last Song”) as Dalia Royce, Allie Grant (“Weeds”) as Lisa, Alan Tudyk (“V”) as Noah Lerner and Cheryl Hines (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”) as Dallas Royce. Ana Gasteyer (“Saturday Night Live”) guest stars. Emily Kapnek (“Hung”) writes and executive-produces this bitingly ironic single-camera comedy. “Suburgatory” was directed by Michael Fresco (“Raising Hope”), who also executive-produced the pilot. It is produced by Warner Bros. Television.

“WORK IT”
This high-concept comedy centers on two unrepentant guy’s guys who, unable to find work, dress as women to get jobs as pharmaceutical reps. Not only do they pull it off, but they might just learn to be better men in the process. With unemployment an ongoing issue and women now outnumbering men in the workforce, the new comedy series “Work It” follows two alpha males who realize the only way to beat the current “mancession” and land a job in pharmaceutical sales is to pass themselves off as women. Combining all the best elements of the workplace comedy, the buddy comedy and the family comedy, “Work It” centers on Lee Standish (Ben Koldyke) — a quick-witted and likable family man who used to be a top car salesman until he got laid off — and Angel Ortiz (Amaury Nolasco) — a single, hot-headed ladies’ man with no filter — who quickly learn there are fundamental differences in the worlds of men and women that go beyond teetering in high heels and tightening up with Spanx. Lee and Angel are determined to keep their ruse going for as long as they can — and keep their newly found jobs – in this smart, funny and relevant look at male and female relationships at work, at home and socially. Being a better man sometimes means having to be a better woman. The show stars Ben Koldyke (“How I Met Your Mother”) as Lee, Amaury Nolasco (“Prison Break”) as Angel, Beth Lacke (“Happy Hour”) as Connie, John Caparulo (“Chelsea Lately”) as Brian, Rebecca Mader (“Lost”) as Grace, Rochelle Aytes (“Detroit 1-8-7″) as Vanessa, Kate Reinders (“Sherrie”) as Kelly, Kirstin Eggers (“Aussie and Ted’s Great Adventure”) as Kristin and Kacie Lynch (“Barney and Friends”) as Kat. “Work It” was written by Andrew Reich & Ted Cohen (“Friends,” “Rules of Engagement”). Reich and Cohen are the executive producers. Beth McCarthy Miller (“Saturday Night Live,” “30 Rock”) is the director. “Work It” is produced by Bonanza Productions, Inc. in association with Summer School Productions and Warner Bros. Television.

RETURNING SERIES

DRAMA

“BODY OF PROOF”
When the brilliant and driven neurosurgeon Dr. Megan Hunt (Dana Delany) suffered a car accident resulting in a unique condition where she could no longer perform surgery, her life as a neurosurgeon was over. But a new one began as a Medical Examiner for the City of Philadelphia. Megan applied her vast medical knowledge and her personal tenacity to the art of solving murders. These cases challenged her not just professionally but personally, as on more than one occasion she came face to face with her past, and in one case in particular she was compelled to perform life saving emergency surgery. Along the way, she earned if not the affection, at least the grudging respect of her colleagues both inside the Medical Examiner’s Office as well as the Police Department. She did all this while at the same time attempting to mend her relationship with her 12-year-old daughter and manage an at times contentious relationship with her ex-husband. “Body of Proof” stars Dana Delany stars as Dr. Megan Hunt, Jeri Ryan as Dr. Kate Murphey, John Carroll Lynch as Detective Bud Morris, Nicholas Bishop as Peter Dunlop, Sonja Sohn as Detective Samantha Baker, Geoffrey Arend as Dr. Ethan Gross and Windell D. Middlebrooks as Dr. Curtis Brumfield. The series is created by Christopher Murphey and executive-produced by Murphey, Matthew Gross, and Sunil Nayar. “Body of Proof” is produced by Gross Entertainment and ABC Studio

“CASTLE”
When viewers first met Richard Castle — a famous mystery novelist and divorced father raising his teenage daughter, while being kept grounded by his Broadway diva mother — he was creatively blocked. But when the NYPD questioned him in connection with a series of murders staged to imitate crime scenes from his books, Castle found inspiration in NYPD Detective Kate Beckett, a bright and aggressive homicide detective with a fascination for odd and offbeat cases stemming from the years-old unsolved murder of her own mother. Though they instantly clashed, sparks of another sort began to fly, leading both to danger and a hint of romance as Castle stepped in to help find the copycat killer. Once that initial case was solved, Castle and Beckett continued to investigate strange homicides in New York, combining Castle’s writer intuition and Beckett’s creative detective work. Now after three seasons, Castle and Beckett’s relationship has grown even stronger as they’ve dodged bullets, captured killers, and solved countless murder cases due to their unorthodox partnership. But in the explosive Season 3 finale, which saw the killing of NYPD Captain Roy Montgomery – who was revealed to have a connection to the unsolved murder of Beckett’s mother — Castle witnessed the shooting of Beckett and, as she lay on the ground with life fading out of her, it’s unknown if she’ll survive… The series stars Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle, Stana Katic as Detective Kate Beckett, Tamala Jones as Medical Examiner Lanie Parish, Jon Huertas as NYPD Detective Javier Esposito, Seamus Dever as NYPD Detective Kevin Ryan, Molly Quinn as Alexis Castle, with Susan Sullivan as Martha Rodgers. “Castle” is produced by ABC Studios. Andrew Marlowe is the show’s creator/executive producer, along with executive producers Rob Bowman, David Amann, Laurie Zaks and Armyan Bernstein.

“DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES”
Winner of both the 2005 and 2006 Golden Globe(R) Award for Best Television Series — Musical or Comedy – “Desperate Housewives” is a primetime soap with a truly contemporary take on “happily ever after.” The series, which takes a darkly comedic look at suburbia — where the secret lives of housewives aren’t always what they seem — began with Mary Alice Young (Brenda Strong) inside her perfect house, in the loveliest of suburbs, taking her own life. Commenting from her elevated point of view, she took us into the lives of her family, friends and neighbors. “Desperate Housewives” stars Teri Hatcher as Susan Mayer, Felicity Huffman as Lynette Scavo, Marcia Cross as Bree Hodge, Eva Longoria as Gabrielle Solis, Vanessa Williams as Renee Perry, Ricardo Antonio Chavira as Carlos Solis, Doug Savant as Tom Scavo, Kathryn Joosten as Karen McCluskey, Kevin Rahm as Lee McDermott, Tuc Watkins as Bob Hunter, with Brenda Strong as Mary Alice Young and James Denton as Mike Delfino. Also starring Charlie Carver as Porter Scavo, Joshua Logan Moore as Parker Scavo, Darcy Rose Byrnes as Penny Scavo, Madison de la Garza as Juanita Solis and Mason Vale Cotton as MJ Delfino. Marc Cherry created the series. Cherry is executive producer, along with George W. Perkins, Bob Daily, Sabrina Wind, Larry Shaw, David Grossman, Matt Berry, Jeff Greenstein and Marco Pennette. “Desperate Housewives” is produced by ABC Studios.

“GREY’S ANATOMY”
“Grey’s Anatomy” is the recipient of the 2007 Golden Globe(R) Award for Best Television Series – Drama, and multiple Emmy nominations, including two for Outstanding Drama Series. The doctors of Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital deal with life-or-death consequences on a daily basis — it’s in one another that they find comfort, friendship and, at times, more than friendship. Together they’re discovering that neither medicine nor relationships can be defined in black and white. Real life only comes in shades of grey. “Grey’s Anatomy” stars Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey, Patrick Dempsey as Derek Shepherd, Sandra Oh as Cristina Yang, Justin Chambers as Alex Karev, Chandra Wilson as Miranda Bailey, James Pickens, Jr. as Richard Webber, Sara Ramirez as Callie Torres, Eric Dane as Mark Sloan, Chyler Leigh as Lexie Grey, Kevin McKidd as Owen Hunt, Jessica Capshaw as Arizona Robbins, Kim Raver as Teddy Altman, Jesse Williams as Jackson Avery and Sarah Drew as April Kepner. “Grey’s Anatomy” was created and is executive-produced by Shonda Rhimes. Betsy Beers, Mark Gordon, Krista Vernoff, Rob Corn, Mark Wilding, Tony Phelan, Joan Rater are executive producers. “Grey’s Anatomy” is an ABC Studios production.

“PRIVATE PRACTICE”
From Shonda Rhimes, the Golden Globe(R)-winning creator of “Grey’s Anatomy,” comes the story of a team of gifted doctors working together to change the lives of their patients for the better as they look to one another for friendship and love. The doctors of Oceanside Wellness and Pacific Wellcare work on the most difficult cases, patients whose medical needs often pose moral and ethical dilemmas. Though they may heatedly disagree at work, and though their personal lives may complicate matters, at the end of the day, they are the best of friends, always ready to be there for one another. “Private Practice” stars Kate Walsh as Dr. Addison Forbes Montgomery, Tim Daly as Dr. Pete Wilder, Audra McDonald as Dr. Naomi Bennett, Paul Adelstein as Dr. Cooper Freedman, KaDee Strickland as Dr. Charlotte King, Brian Benben as Dr. Sheldon Wallace and Caterina Scorsone as Dr. Amelia Shepherd, with Taye Diggs as Dr. Sam Bennett and Amy Brenneman as Dr. Violet Turner. “Private Practice” was created and is executive produced by Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, Mark Gordon, Mark Tinker, Steve Blackman and Craig Turk. “Private Practice” is an ABC Studios Production.

COMEDY

“COUGAR TOWN”
In her Golden Globe(R) nominated role as Jules Cobb, Courteney Cox stars in an ensemble comedy about life, family and friends in the critically acclaimed series, “Cougar Town.” Jules’ inner circle includes next door neighbor Ellie (Christa Miller), her sarcastic, unapologetic confidante; Ellie’s average, but loveable husband, Andy (Ian Gomez); Grayson (Josh Hopkins), her boyfriend/neighbor from across the street; Laurie (Busy Philipps), her younger, feisty protege; ex-husband Bobby (Brian Van Holt), a classic under-achiever, but full of heart; and Travis (Dan Byrd), her dry and witty son who more often than not is the adult observer amongst the group. Together, they make up “the cul-de-sac crew,” a dysfunctional, but supportive and caring extended family… even if they have a funny way of showing it sometimes. “Cougar Town” stars Courteney Cox as Jules, Christa Miller as Ellie, Busy Philipps as Laurie, Dan Byrd as Travis, Josh Hopkins as Grayson, Ian Gomez as Andy and Brian Van Holt as Bobby. Bill Lawrence serves as executive producer/writer/director, Kevin Biegel as executive producer/writer and Courteney Cox and David Arquette are executive producers. “Cougar Town” was co-created by Bill Lawrence and Kevin Biegel and is produced by ABC Studios.

“HAPPY ENDINGS”
Forget who gets to keep the ring – when a couple splits, the real question is, who gets to keep the friends? Alex and Dave’s wedding was supposed to be the happiest day of their lives, for them and their long-time friends… until Alex leaves groom-to-be Dave at the altar. The breakup, in the words of one pal, is a “huge game changer” that will complicate everyone’s lives and make everyone question their own choices. “Happy Endings” stars Eliza Coupe as Jane, Elisha Cuthbert as Alex, Zachary Knighton as Dave, Adam Pally as Max, Damon Wayans, Jr. as Brad and Casey Wilson as Penny. Created by co-executive producer David Caspe, “Happy Endings” is executive produced by Jamie Tarses, Jonathan Groff, and Anthony & Joe Russo. It is from Sony Pictures Television and ABC Studios.

“THE MIDDLE”
Two-time Emmy winner Patricia Heaton stars in this warm and witty single-camera comedy about raising a family and lowering your expectations. Middle-aged, middle class and living in the middle of the country in Orson, Indiana, Frankie Heck is a harried wife and working mother of three who uses her wry wit and sense of humor in an attempt to get her family through each day intact. Her work life’s no easier. With her friend and co-worker, Bob, she struggles day to day as the least successful sales woman at the town’s only surviving car dealer. “The Middle” stars Patricia Heaton as Frankie, Neil Flynn as Mike, Charlie McDermott as Axl, Eden Sher as Sue, Atticus Shaffer as Brick and Chris Kattan as Bob. “The Middle” was created and is executive produced by Eileen Heisler and DeAnn Heline. The series is from Warner Bros. Television.

“MODERN FAMILY”
ABC’s Emmy Award-winning hit comedy, “Modern Family,” takes a modern and often hilarious look at the complications that come with being a family today. Jay Pritchett, with his much younger wife, Gloria, and her son, Manny, sits as the patriarch of a large blended family that includes his grown daughter Claire, who has three kids of her own with her husband Phil, and a grown son Mitchell, who adopted a Vietnamese baby with his gay life partner Cameron. These three families are unique unto themselves, and together they give us a window into the sometimes warm, sometimes twisted embrace of the modern family. “Modern Family” stars Ed O’Neill as Jay, Sof?a Vergara as Gloria, Julie Bowen as Claire, Ty Burrell as Phil, Eric Stonestreet as Cameron, Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Mitchell, Sarah Hyland as Haley, Ariel Winter as Alex, Nolan Gould as Luke and Rico Rodriguez as Manny. The series is produced by Twentieth Century Fox Television in association with Levitan Lloyd Productions. Steven Levitan and Christopher Lloyd are executive producers/creators.

ALTERNATIVE

“AMERICA’S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS”
“America’s Funniest Home Videos” begins its 22nd season with all-new footage of what happens when adults, children and animals are at their spontaneous best. Hosted by Tom Bergeron, “America’s Funniest Home Videos” is the longest-running primetime entertainment show in ABC history. Vin Di Bona is executive producer, with Todd Thicke and Michele Nasraway serving as co-executive producers.

“THE BACHELOR”
ABC’s “The Bachelor” is the original primetime romance reality series that offers one lucky man and 25 lucky women the unique opportunity to find true love. This season the hit series will feature its 16th edition with the new Bachelor getting to know 25 women via a series of social gatherings and exotic, romantic dates – some in groups, some individually. He will introduce some of the women to his family and will visit their hometowns for a slice of their lives in an effort to determine the woman with whom he is most compatible. At the end of the journey, filled with drama and surprises against the backdrop of spectacular international settings, the Bachelor may quite possibly have found true love. But the big question is: After all of this, will he pop the question, and will she say yes? “The Bachelor” is hosted by Chris Harrison and produced by Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television. Mike Fleiss and Martin Hilton are executive producers.

“DANCING WITH THE STARS”
Hosted by Tom Bergeron (“America’s Funniest Home Videos”) and Brooke Burke (“Dancing with the Stars” Season Seven Champion), the celebrities perform choreographed dance routines which will be judged by renowned Ballroom judge Len Goodman, dancer/choreographers Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba. “Dancing with the Stars” is the U.S. version of the international smash hit series, “Strictly Come Dancing.” This version is produced by BBC Worldwide Productions. Conrad Green serves as executive producer and Ashley Edens-Shaffer and Joe Sungkur are co-executive producers. Alex Rudzinski directs. “Dancing with the Stars” is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound. This program carries a TV-PG, L parental guideline.

“EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION”
The iconic “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” returns for a ninth season, making dreams come true for deserving families in need of a newly rebuilt and decorated home, as well as whole communities and organizations. “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” continues to unite the people selected with their favorite entertainers, athletes, politicians and role models. Last season, participants included (alphabetically) Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey, professional dancers from “Dancing with the Stars,” Paula Deen, Cedric the Entertainer, Christie Brinkley, Kristen Chenoweth, Derek Jeter, the kids from “Modern Family,” Shaquille O’Neal, Katy Perry, Atticus Shaffer, Raven-Symoné, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and Shaun White. The designers include team leader Ty Pennington, with Paul DiMeo, Paige Hemmis, Michael Moloney, Ed Sanders, Tracy Hutson, John Littlefield, Leigh Anne Tuohy, Xzibit and Jillian Harris. “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” is produced by Endemol USA, of Endemol Holding, and executive-produced by Brady Connell & George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America.

“SECRET MILLIONAIRE”
“Secret Millionaire” is a one-hour alternative series that follows America’s most successful business people as they spend a week in the country’s poorest areas and ultimately gift deserving members of the community with hundreds of thousands of dollars of their own money. “Secret Millionaire” is produced by Zodiak USA. Executive producers include Grant Mansfield, Natalka Znak, Claire O’Donohoe and Leslie Garvin. Paul Osborne serves as co-executive producer.

“SHARK TANK”
The critically acclaimed “Shark Tank” gives budding entrepreneurs the chance to make their dreams come true and possibly make a deal that will make them millionaires. Entrepreneurs who dare to enter the “Shark Tank” must try to convince the “Sharks” — tough, self-made, multi-millionaire tycoons — to part with their own hard-earned cash and give them the funding they desperately need to jumpstart their business ideas. But the Sharks have a goal, too — to get a return on their investment and own a piece of the next big business idea. The “Sharks” are real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran, infomercial industry pioneer Kevin Harrington, technology innovator Robert Herjavec, fashion icon Daymond John and financial expert Kevin O’Leary. Last season, hi-tech billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban and successful comedian and businessman Jeff Foxworthy participated on the panel as guest “Shark” investors. Mark Burnett, Clay Newbill and Phil Gurin are the executive producers of “Shark Tank,” based on the Japanese “Dragons’ Den” format created by Nippon Television Network Corporation. The series is from Sony Pictures Television.

“20/20″
The ABC News primetime news magazine “20/20″ has distinguished itself as one of the most esteemed programs in broadcast journalism. Celebrating its 32nd anniversary this season, “20/20″ continues to combine hard-hitting investigative reports, newsmaker interviews and compelling human interest and feature stories. The program is anchored by award-winning journalists Elizabeth Vargas and Chris Cuomo. For over three decades “20/20″ has offered viewers reports and stories that have changes lives. Featured contributors to the program include ABC News correspondents Jim Avila, Ashleigh Banfield, Juju Chang, Bill Ritter, John Qui?ones, Jay Schadler, Deborah Roberts and Brian Ross, as well as contributing correspondent Chris Connelly. Barbara Walters, Diane Sawyer and Cynthia McFadden also contribute reports. David Sloan is executive producer of “20/20.”

I think it’s funny how they’re marketing their reality TV programs as “alternative” programming; lately, it’s been feeling like scripted dramas and comedies are the “alternative” crowd and networks are just churning out as much low-budget reality TV as they can for “the masses” that watch shows like Dancing with the Stars or American Idol.

But anyway, ABC’s outlook is looking brighter than most other networks this season; we’ve got The River, Castle, Pan Am, Once Upon a Time and… hmm, that’s it? Nevermind, then. But the four shows I ~will~ be watching look to be good and full of promise. Any other season, I probably would’ve given Missing a try, but with Person of Interest and other such shows (including some pilots that weren’t picked up, ultimately), this season seems much too packed with the CIA angle.

The River could be ABC’s new Lost — they certainly implied that strongly enough with their own “smoke monster” (super fast black thing) killing people and shaky cam panning to the jungle trees with someone saying, “What was that??” (I am not kidding… you’ve got to see the clips for this show). But hey, ripping off Lost isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Lost was a great show, after all, especially in its first season.

I agree with JR — Please bring back “The GATES” !! I think it would have done GREAT if it had more advertisement of what it was. We accidentally discovered it and then set the DVR to capture it; otherwise we wouldn’t have known it existed, either! Give it another chance !

BRING BACK “THE GATES”!!!!!!! Yes, I’m yelling. I just found out about this show on Netflix, fell in love with it, only to find out that its been cancelled! Ridiculous, it was the only ABC show I’ve ever liked.

Once again, ABC has bitten off way more than it could chew and will choke. This network has no clue what they are doing and their new president seems completely incompetent. At least NBC shows some promise for their fall schedule; this just looks like a sad mess. All of the nights are basically the same; the only change is attempting to do an hour of comedy to lead-in to DWTS. Sorry Tim Allen, but you’re on the wrong network if you want the show to live on past 13 episodes. So many of the new shows that have gained hype are all being held till mid-season, and the ones that seem fairly weak are starting in the fall. ABC needs a new president. They don’t need to pick up 13 new series and jam them all in a 9-month TV season. They need to pick up maybe 5 new shows and advertize the hell out of them, along with not exempting episode for pointless things like Charlie Sheen interviews or because ratings are not amazing after the pilot aired. I could be wrong, but I thought that ABC was the third lowest Network (ratings-wise) right above NBC and below Fox. So, if they are, why not try to bring more of the shows with hype to the fall? It seems like they don’t care to grow too much.

I am really disappointed that Cougar Town is being held till mid-season to make room for some new comedy that will probably be canceled by Christmas. I can’t help but feel that ABC wants Cougar Town to go, with them holding back this season for Mr. Sunshine and now giving them an 8-9 month hiatus between seasons. The only show to ever do well with a long hiatus on ABC was Lost, and that was not started until their fourth season. All the other shows that took a long hiatus between seasons on ABC were eventually cancelled, V, Pushing Daisies, Eli Stone. I could go on, but it’s a long list.

It seems pretty obvious that ABC has decided to write off the female demographic.
In a society where men still make more money than women, 90% of the stimulus-created jobs went to men, and where women who work still do the lion’s share of household chores as well, how can anyone take seriously these new shows portraying men as aggrieved parties? It seems like the networks are giving lip service to improvement in women’s condition by trying to portray them as empowered in roles that were historically exploitative (e.g., stewardesses, Charlie’s Angels, pharmaceutical reps). I feel like this lineup is just one big Karl’s Jr ad, unabashedly aimed at young males because women don’t eat hamburgers (because they can cook). Why can’t there be entertainment that can appeal to men and women?

Not a bad schedule. Obviously, we all knew Dancing, Bachelor, GA, Castle, etc would be back. So glad to see Shark Tank on the Fall Schedule. It will finally get hopefully a full series run. The ratings aren’t spectacular, but for Fridays, it’s not bad and it will now have EMHE as a lead in! Excited to see some of the new comedies as well!